Woman Cop Injured In Sword Attack By Ex-Serviceman In Odisha’s Banki

Cuttack: A woman sub-inspector (SI) posted at Banki police station in Odisha’s Cuttack district sustained critical injuries while trying to overpower an ex-serviceman, brandishing a sword at Similipur school ground.

The cop has been identified as Madhusmita Behera. She has been admitted to Banki sub-divisional hospital for treatment. Four days ago, the retired Army personnel, Saroj Das, had attacked and injured another SI.

According to sources, Behera reached the spot with two platoons of police force after being informed about Das having organised  around 100 scheduled caste (SC) people of his village against police and local administration. Das and his supporters attacked her. Later more people from the village chased police away.

On Friday, Das had vandalised an SBI ATM counter near Banki College after he failed to withdraw money as the deposit in his account was deducted towards instalment of his vehicle loans. He lost his cool, having reportedly suffered losses in business, and later terrorised locals at Kacheri Chhak with a sword. SI Susant Kumar Sarangi then had a close shave even as his lathi was cut into pieces with a blow from Das’ sword.

Das then fled the spot. Banki police had registered a case against and efforts were on to nab him.

Also Read: Ex-Jawan Strikes Terror By Waving Sword In Air To Seek Justice From Police In Odisha’s Cuttack

The 34-year-old Das, who hails from Harirajpur, had bought dumper trucks for business with the money received as retirement benefits, but one of his trucks was seized by a tehsildar. He also sustained loss in his business allegedly due to harassment by local police, sources added.